OVERVIEW

The course is designed for students in their first year of the undergraduate degree program in Philosophy; it aims at introducing the main theoretical problems in philosophy. The course will address ontological and epistemological themes, using basic philosophical terminology (such as, Being vs. beings, becoming, science, belief, opinion).

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Introduction to the main philosophical problems in the theoretical field. Through the illustration of the recurring concepts of the philosophical lexicon and reading of classical texts, the aim is to provide the basic knowledge to approach the first-level study of the main themes of philosophical thought (the problem of being, of knowing, of becoming, of the meaning of existence).

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

 By the end of the course, students will be able: to master the specific terminology of the subject (basic vocabulary); to treat and discuss in depth its distinctive contents and problems; to establish appropriate links between different contents; to interpret and contextualize the examined texts from a historical-theoretical point of view; to use the main concepts and arguments in a critical and personal way.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, reading and analyzing texts, guided discussion. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Contents for students who are taking the 6-CFU course

The thematic focus aims to introduce students to philosophical reflection through a problem-based approach, grounded in the reading and analytical commentary of primary texts. The theoretical deepening unfolds through engagement with some paradigmatic figures of the Western philosophical tradition.

Part 1 – Topic: The Philosopher and the Features of Philosophical Activity in Plato. Lectures will offer a thematic reading of the central books of the Republic (V–VII), with a focus on the ontological and epistemological aspects. Specifically, the course will study the figure of the philosopher and examine dialogic-dialectic philosophical activity as a fundamental aspect of human existence.

Part 2 – Topic: Philosophy as Wisdom in Aristotle. Lectures will examine the Aristotelian notion of wisdom and its defining features, with a focus on reading and commenting on relevant parts of a key text in Western philosophy, such as Aristotle's Metaphysics (Books I, XII).

Part 3 – Topic: Philosophy, Subject, and Consciousness in Descartes. Lectures will tackle some of the most important issues shaping philosophical debates in the modern age, with a focus on Cartesian rationalism, his formulation of methodic doubt, and the affirmation of the Cogito as a new foundation for philosophy.

Contents for students who are taking the 9-CFU course

The thematic focus aims to introduce students to philosophical reflection through a problem-based approach, grounded in the reading and analytical commentary of primary texts. The theoretical deepening unfolds through engagement with some paradigmatic figures of the Western philosophical tradition.

Part 1 – Topic: The Philosopher and the Features of Philosophical Activity in Plato. Lectures will offer a thematic reading of the central books of the Republic (V–VII), with a focus on the ontological and epistemological aspects. Specifically, the course will study the figure of the philosopher and examine dialogic-dialectic philosophical activity as a fundamental aspect of human existence.

Part 2 – Topic: Philosophy as Wisdom in Aristotle. Lectures will examine the Aristotelian notion of wisdom and its defining features, with a focus on reading and commenting on relevant parts of a key text in Western philosophy, such as Aristotle's Metaphysics (Books I, XII).

Part 3 – Topic: Philosophy, Subject, and Consciousness in Descartes. Lectures will tackle some of the most important issues shaping philosophical debates in the modern age, with a focus on Cartesian rationalism, his formulation of methodic doubt, and the affirmation of the Cogito as a new foundation for philosophy.

Part 4 – Topic: The Transcendental Turn of Philosophy in Kant. Lectures will zoom in on the theme of human reason, considered in reference to its critical and metaphysical instances, with a particular focus on the concepts of the possibility and limits of knowledge.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The reading list for this course is available on the Italian version of the web page.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

17 September 2026.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Attending students: oral exam covering the content of the lessons and the texts listed in the bibliography.

Non-attending students: oral exam covering the texts listed in the bibliography.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The expected learning outcomes will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• the mastery of the contents and specific terminology of the subject, in relation to the indicated program (acquired knowledge)

• the ability to understand and explain the fundamental concepts and topics of the subject, establishing appropriate connections; especially in relation to the texts indicated in the reading list and discussed throughout the semester (used abilities)

• the ability to use (in a critical and personal way) the fundamental concepts and topics of the subject, demonstrating interpretative and methodological skills corresponding to the general objectives of the degree course; these skills will also be assessed with reference to students’ active participation in classroom discussions (learned skills).

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance is strongly recommended. Those who are unable to attend, please contact the teacher.